The Kenyan government has taken a significant step towards providing reparations to victims of human rights violations that occurred during demonstrations and public protests. A total of 259 people will receive a combined Ksh.83.65 million in compensation, as approved by the government. This move is part of the ongoing efforts to address the grievances of those who suffered injuries and economic losses during the protests.
According to the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, the claims were processed under Phase VI of the compensation programme. This phase covers both civilians and uniformed officers who were affected by the protests. The beneficiaries include those who suffered aggravated, severe, moderate, and minor injuries, as well as those who incurred economic losses. The panel verified the claims and categorized them based on the severity of the injuries and losses.
The breakdown of the compensation allocations shows that 54 claimants with moderate injuries will receive Ksh.27 million, while 35 victims with severe injuries have been allocated Ksh.35 million. Another 133 people who suffered minor injuries will receive a combined Ksh.6.65 million, while 30 claimants whose losses were categorized as economic will share Ksh.1.5 million. The panel also verified seven claims under the aggravated injury category, with compensation amounts varying between Ksh.1.5 million and Ksh.2.5 million per claimant.
The total allocation for the aggravated injury category is Ksh.13.5 million. The panel chairperson, Prof. Makau Mutua, stated that every claim received undergoes careful verification and authentication before a decision is reached. The panel will notify each claimant of the outcome in due course. Mutua also urged victims who had not yet submitted their applications to come forward for consideration.
The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations was formed in 2025, and President William Ruto tasked it with verifying, categorizing, and overseeing reparations for victims of human rights violations and protests occurring between 2013 and 2025. Recently, the Head of State extended the panel's term by 90 days from September 4, 2026, to address the remaining compensation claims.
The panel is still receiving claims through official channels and is urging victims to come forward. Victims seeking information on the compensation programme can contact the panel through its hotline, +254 141 441 294, or email [email protected]. Its offices are located on the ground floor of the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. The panel will continue engaging victims and beneficiaries to address their concerns and provide updates on the progress of the programme.
Prof. Makau Mutua asked claimants to remain patient as verification continues, maintaining that the process would ensure eligible victims are treated fairly and with dignity. The government's efforts to provide compensation to victims of human rights violations are ongoing, and the panel is working to ensure that all eligible victims receive the support they need. The compensation programme is a significant step towards promoting justice and accountability for those who suffered during the protests.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has approved Ksh.83.65 million in compensation for 259 people who suffered human rights violations during demonstrations and public protests.
- The compensation allocations include Ksh.27 million for 54 claimants with moderate injuries and Ksh.35 million for 35 victims with severe injuries.
- The panel is still receiving claims through official channels and is urging victims to come forward for consideration.
